New study says 8 out of 10 Indians lack financial safety for medical emergencies

Eight out of ten Indians currently lack the financial safety nets required to manage sudden medical emergencies even as climate change and environmental volatility emerge as primary drivers of national anxietyAccording to the a Nishchit Index 20 by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance Indias national uncertainty score has reached 79 reflecting a deepseated concern over the intersection of health and financial stabilityThe study based on a survey of 3583 respondents across 20 towns suggests that health is no longer viewed as an occasional medical concern but as a continuous financial riskApproximately 81 per cent of the population expects pollution levels to worsen while 82 per cent worry about how rising healthcare costs will impact their longterm financial security Environmental and climate factors have officially moved up the ranks to become the secondlargest driver of anxiety across the countryEnvironmental and climate factors now rank as the second largest driver of national anxiety contributing significantly to Indias overall uncertainty score of 79 the report statesThe research indicates that the financial impact of environmental volatility is deeply localised In the South residents are increasingly concerned about rising temperatures and vectorborne diseases like dengue and malariaWestern metros such as Mumbai are seeing productivity losses linked to heatwaves and pollution Meanwhile the North reports a rise in illnesses tied to disrupted daily routines and the East reflects heightened anxiety driven by the challenges of elderly careWith 8137 expecting pollution levels to worsen and 8237 worried about rising healthcare costs there is growing recognition that climate conditions are directly influencing both physical wellbeing and household finances the findings revealDespite this heightened awareness the gap in preparedness remains wide Nearly 79 per cent of respondents are unsure whether their existing insurance policies cover serious illnesses Furthermore 80 per cent of those surveyed expressed doubt regarding the adequacy of their savings in the event of a sudden critical diagnosis This lack of a buffer is particularly acute in TierII and TierIII towns where uncertainty levels are higher and financial resources are often more limitedMental health has also emerged as a critical point of concern with 81 per cent of respondents reporting rising stress levels However a significant 80 per cent of individuals hesitate to seek professional support a trend that leads to lost productivity and potential income disruptionIndividuals must review health cover build financial buffers and recognise mental wellbeing as central to financial stability while organisations must expand protection to address evolving risks linked to climate the report saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever